Smog Check in Nevada

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees the Nevada Emissions Control Program, including which vehicles require testing, how to complete a vehicle inspection, and how to apply for waivers if a vehicle fails an emissions test. Note that each requirement also applies to new residents.

Continue reading for information on how the Nevada Emissions Control Program handles emissions tests regarding specific state locations, fees, and waiver applications for failed smog tests.

It’s best to bring your vehicle to a licensed inspection facility
as soon as possible in order to leave time for any necessary repairs or waiver applications (see “Failed Vehicle Inspections” below). Please see “Completing a Vehicle Inspection” below for details.

NOTE: Out-of-state smog or emissions tests are not valid in Nevada if your vehicle is going to be based here. For vehicles based outside of the state, please see "Out-of-State Testing" below.

Inspection Requirements and Exemptions

Inspection Requirements

Currently, only vehicles based in urban areas of Clark County or Washoe County are required to undergo Nevada emissions tests (see the state’s
Emissions Testing Areas for specific locations). If your vehicle is based outside of Nevada but you're a resident of the above counties, please see "Out-of-State Testing" below.

Transfers when the last emissions test took place no more than 90 days before the transfer.

Out-of-State Testing

Nevada residents whose vehicles are outside the state should renew their registration by completing the
Emission Control Exemption Application (Form EC-8). If your car is in an area/state that requires emission testing, you'll need to have your vehicle inspected in that state. This will take care of your Nevada emission inspection requirement for the next year.

If the state you're in does not require emission testing, then you'll also need to fill out the
Emission Control Exemption Application (Form EC-8) and indicate that there is no inspection station near you. You will have to have your vehicle inspected as soon as you return to the state.

After completing the affidavit, mail it along with your registration renewal form, the emission certificate from the state (if applicable), and a check or money order for your fees to:

Completing a Vehicle Inspection

Not required, but helpful for your technician, as they need your county and ZIP code.

Payment for the applicable fee.*

Once you pass your vehicle inspection,
you’ll receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) for your records. The inspection station will also enter your vehicle’s results electronically into the DMV system.

* Each emissions station sets its own fees, but the state implements a maximum fee based on vehicle type as well as fee type (inspection fees and certification fees). Visit the
Emissions Testing Fees page for a complete list of maximum fees.

Failed Vehicle Inspections

Upon failing an initial emissions inspection, your vehicle must be repaired and retested; if it fails again, you might be eligible for a waiver.

Waivers
are not available for vehicles that emit visible smoke, are eligible for warranty coverage, or show evidence of emission device tampering.

Technicians test the vehicles at an idle speed first, and then with the engine running at 2,500 RPM.

Dynamometer testing: Reserved for older diesel vehicles.

Nevada Incentives for Eco-Friendly Driving

As mentioned above, some eco-friendly vehicles are exempt from emissions inspection. These vehicles include alternative fuel vehicles such as new hybrid-electric vehicles during their first 5 model years.

Get more details on these vehicles, including all the benefits you can enjoy by driving green, on our
green driver incentives page.